Steeping ratio/volume Q.

[jerzeedevil13]

Does it make a difference in how much water you steep your grains for extract brewing. Anotherwords, if I'm doing a full boil (6gal) can I steep the grains in the 6 gal or does it have to be in 2-3 gal as I always read and topped off. What are the effects if any between the 2 ?

 

[BendBrewer]

I am no scientist but I remember reading that you get better conversion or extraction with a smaller volume of water. I assume it would have to do with the proximity or density of the enzymes and starches.

Small confined space, better efficiency.

But that is really only a guess.

 

[homebrewer_99]

It's generally 1-2 quarts per pound of grain for steeping or mashing.

 

[Scimmia]

For just steeping, it really doesn't matter. All you're doing in rinsing stuff out of the grain. Mashing, of course, is a different story.

 

[Hang Glider]

^^^
what he said.